Abstract
A relatively neglected element of the biota of the Lower Devonian Rhynie chert Lagerstätte are filamentous green algae exceptionally preserved by silicification. Palynological processing of sediments associated with the cherts has yielded palynomorphs that we also interpret as the remains of filamentous green algae and one such taxon is described herein. Cells occur individually, in masses or joined end-to-end as an unbranched filament. The cells are characterised by end walls that form a ‘collar’ structure and inner bodies interpreted as reproductive structures. Because of a lack of preserved characters taxonomic precision is limited, although we suggest the fossils are most likely either zygnematalean or oedogonialean algae that inhabited ponds or lakes and were either attached to substrates and/or free-floating.
Highlights
Algae are an important and diverse component of modern terrestrial ecosystems (Graham et al 2016)
Little is known concerning the geological history of terrestrial algae because they usually have low preservation potential
It has long been suspected that terrestrial algae have a deep geological history and that they were one of the first life forms to invade the land
Summary
Algae are an important and diverse component of modern terrestrial ecosystems (aquatic and subaerial) (Graham et al 2016). The Rhynie cherts preserve various terrestrial algal remains and provide our earliest insight into the role algae played in early terrestrial ecosystems. Krings et al (2017b) reported on a microscopic colony-forming alga Hagenococcus aggregatus Krings et al Unicellular algal remains have been described by Kidston and Lang (1921b), Edwards and Lyon (1983), Dotzler et al (2007) and Kustatscher et al (2014a, b).
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